Conceptualised by industrialist-politician dr. Stze-Yuen Chun and former governor Sir Edward Youde, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology has quickly built itself a formidable global reputation Promoted in 1991, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has quickly built itself a formidable international reputation, and has barged into the league table of the world’s Top 50 universities. The QS World University Rankings 2012-13 ranks HKUST #33 and #1 among Top 300 Asian Universities. Times Higher Education ranks it #3 in its World’s Top 100 Universities Under 50 league table. The 22-year-old varsity which admitted its first batch of students in October 1991, currently has 12,584 students instructed by 538 faculty on its muster rolls. Its five schools — science, engineering, humanities and social sciences, and business management, and the HKUST Fok Ying Tung Graduate School — offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes. “At Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, ivory tower stereotypes don’t apply. Within the short span of less than two decades, HKUST has matured into a dynamic, world-class university powered by the dedicated efforts of our outstanding faculty, staff and students. Our achievements, big and small, bear witness to HKUST’s commitment to advancing knowledge and social development,” says Tony F. Chan, president of Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, with evident — and justifiable — satisfaction. Hong Kong University of Science & Technology was conceptualised and given shape and form by industrialist-politician Dr. Sze-Yuen Chun and then governor of Hong Kong Sir Edward Youde with the objective of developing a higher education institution which would produce the scientists, engineers, business managers and other professionals required to transform the island city into a knowledge-based economy. Hong Kong. Situated on China’s south coast, Hong Kong (pop. 7 million) is one of the two special administrative regions of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the other being neighbouring Macau. A former British colony, Hong Kong was returned to PRC in 1997 after 156 years of British rule, and has emerged as the gateway to the massive PRC market. Empowered by a low-crime and low-corruption environment, Hong Kong has developed into a leading global business and financial entrepot, serving as an important bridge between multi-national corporations and mainland China. Ancient Chinese temples are juxtaposed against towering steel and glass skyscrapers in this island city famous for its street as well as high-end shopping. From the lively nightlife of Lan Kwai Fong on Hong Kong Island, to the long distance walking trails in the hills of the New Territories, to Chinese festivals celebrated around the city, Hong Kong offers students an exciting mix of activities. There is also a lively arts scene with a wide range of plays, concerts and creative events staged through the year. For those who prefer some peace and quiet, there are several country parks and scenic walks. HKUST’s location in Clear Water Bay puts the scenic beaches and spectacular rural sights of the Sai Kung Country park as well as the 100-km MacLehose…
